Paint Exterior Brick House: 5 Smart Ideas: Practical, budget-savvy ways I repaint brick exteriors — from full coats to subtle washes

I once had a client insist their 1920s brick house become “Victorian candy cane” — yes, stripes. We negotiated to a tasteful bold red instead, and I learned that a good before-and-after gallery calms most wild ideas, so I always show one to homeowners before we start a project: before-and-after gallery.

That little story is silly, but it highlights something I tell everyone: small spaces and old façades can spark big creative moves. Painting exterior brick is one of those projects where a smart choice makes a huge visual payoff.

1. Go bold with a full coat (solid color)

I love this for a dramatic refresh — one solid color unifies mismatched brick and modernizes a tired façade. The advantage is instant curb appeal and color control; the downside is permanence: removing paint from brick is laborious and costly.

Prep is everything: clean, repair mortar joints, and use a masonry primer plus a breathable exterior acrylic masonry paint. Budget tip: renting a power washer and spraying is cheaper than hiring it out, but test a patch for moisture issues first.

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2. Try limewash or whitewash for texture

Limewash gives that soft, stone-like finish that lets some brick character show through — it’s breathable and more reversible than opaque paint. I recommended limewash to a client who wanted a coastal feel; it aged beautifully but needs reapplication sooner than solid paint.

Expectation note: colors are more muted and less predictable, so do a large test patch. Limewash can be DIY-friendly, but professionals get more even coverage on rough bricks.

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3. Paint trim and accents, keep brick natural

If you’re nervous about painting all the brick, changing the trim, shutters, or window surrounds can transform the look with far less commitment. I often sketch a few color combos for clients — if they like the change, we escalate to larger moves. For inspiration and project visuals, I sometimes show curated project examples to help them decide: project examples.

This approach preserves brick texture and costs less. The trade-off is a subtler result — it won’t hide uneven brick or heavy staining.

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4. Two-tone or focal accent wall

Want personality without full coverage? Paint a single gable, chimney, or porch wall a contrasting shade. It’s a favorite of mine for asymmetrical homes because it draws the eye where you want it. The pro is a bold statement with a small budget; the con is that poor color balance can look lopsided, so I always mock up digital visuals first.

Practical tip: mark edges with painter’s tape and use a masonry brush for tight mortar lines to avoid drips and get crisp edges.

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5. Restore and stain instead of paint

Sometimes the best look is to enhance the brick, not cover it. Brick stains and sealers deepen tones and protect without the film build-up of paint. I used stain on a mission-style home to enrich color while keeping texture; the result was durable and much easier to maintain than painted brick.

Stains won’t fix crumbling mortar or heavy efflorescence. Budget-wise, staining often falls between repainting and full restoration — cheaper than sandblasting but more specialized than painting.

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FAQ

Q: Can you paint exterior brick?

A: Yes, you can paint exterior brick, and many houses benefit dramatically. Proper cleaning, repair, primer, and breathable masonry paint are essential to avoid trapping moisture.

Q: Do I need special paint for brick?

A: Use breathable exterior masonry paint or elastomeric coatings designed for brick; standard interior paints will fail quickly. Breathability prevents moisture from getting trapped behind the finish.

Q: How do I prepare brick for painting?

A: Clean with a pressure washer, remove efflorescence, repair mortar, and allow the wall to dry thoroughly. Always do a small test patch to check adhesion and color.

Q: Is it true painted brick damages the material?

A: Not if done correctly. Problems arise when non-breathable paints trap moisture, leading to spalling over time. Choosing breathable masonry systems mitigates that risk.

Q: How long does paint on exterior brick last?

A: With proper prep and quality masonry paint, expect 7–15 years depending on climate and sun exposure. Limewash and stains generally require more frequent upkeep but are easier to refresh.

Q: What about houses built before 1978—lead paint concerns?

A: If your home predates 1978, follow the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for lead-safe work practices to protect occupants and workers: https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program.

Q: Can I do this as a DIY project?

A: Simple jobs like trim accents or limewash can be DIY-friendly, but full repainting often benefits from pros who handle prep and use proper masonry primers. Budget for unexpected repairs when you peel back old paint.

Q: Will painting affect property value?

A: Good painting choices usually boost curb appeal and may increase perceived value; poor color choices or bad workmanship can hurt it. I always recommend visual mock-ups or a small test before committing to the whole house.

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